Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe: A Rich and Flavorful Stew
Birria is a traditional Mexican stew known for its deep, spicy flavor and tender meat. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations and is often enjoyed during festive occasions or family gatherings. The rich blend of chilies, aromatic spices, and succulent beef makes this dish a crowd favorite. Whether served as a stew or used as a filling for tacos, birria is sure to warm your soul and bring a taste of Mexico to your table.
Ingredients
For the Birria:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped white onion
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chilies
Start by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chilies. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, until they become aromatic. Afterward, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
2. Make the Sauce
Once the chilies have softened, blend them together with the onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef chuck roast or short ribs and sear them on all sides until browned. Once the meat is seared, pour in the chili sauce and the remaining 3 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2–3 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and easily shreds.
4. Shred and Serve
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot, allowing it to soak in the flavorful broth.
5. Garnish and Enjoy
Serve the birria in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime. This dish is perfect when paired with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Birria:
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a pinch of cloves or a bay leaf to the cooking broth.
- If you prefer a spicier birria, you can add a couple of dried chiles de arbol to the chili blend.
- To make it extra indulgent, serve the birria as a taco, dipping the tortillas in the flavorful broth before adding the shredded meat.
Birria is a versatile and deeply satisfying dish, perfect for cozying up with friends and family or celebrating a special occasion. Its bold flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef will surely transport you straight to the heart of Mexico. ¡Disfruta!